/ Health Concerns / Women's Health

Period Pain

Diagnostic Patterns

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the treatment of dysmenorrhea is based on identifying the individual's specific diagnostic pattern rather than the general condition. The most common patterns contributing to dysmenorrhea include blood stagnation, liver qi stagnation, and spleen deficiency. Commonly used acupuncture points for treating dysmenorrhea are KI6 (Fuliu), SP10 (Xuehai), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), SP8 (Diji), and ST25 (Tianshu). Frequently used herbs include Chishao, Chuanxiong, Danshen, Danggui, Guizhi, Niuxi, Mudanpi, and Yanhusuo, with Si Wu Tang serving as the core herbal formula.

Research suggests acupuncture is effective, and acupressure may also help with pain relief. Acupoint stimulation was found superior to controls in relieving pain (Xu et al, 2014 – MA of 20 RCTs on acupoint stimulation). Both acupuncture and acupressure (compared to placebo, waitlist, or medication) reduced pain intensity, and acupuncture also improved quality of life (Abaraogu 2015 – SR of 8 RCTs and MA of 4 RCTs).